At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive new product development from concept to launch in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established food manufacturer in Ballymena with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to work with major retailers.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to creating high-quality, commercially viable food products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing exciting new food products that meet customer needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD or technical roles within food manufacturing and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are delighted to be working in partnership with a well-established and growing food manufacturing business in the Ballymena area on the appointment of NPD Manager. This is a key role within the technical team, responsible for driving new product development from concept through to launch, working closely with major retail customers and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, commercially viable products.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full NPD process from concept to factory launch.
- Interpret customer briefs and develop commercially viable product solutions.
- Lead product trials, scale-up activities and first production runs.
- Ensure all products meet food safety, legal and retailer requirements.
- Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations and technical data.
- Coordinate project timelines, critical paths and launch activities.
- Liaise with customers, suppliers and internal teams to ensure project delivery.
- Support artwork, packaging and labelling development and approval.
- Troubleshoot issues during trials and drive successful product launches.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Experience in an NPD or Technical role within food manufacturing.
- Strong understanding of retailer requirements and food safety standards (BRCGS).
- Proven experience managing product development from concept to launch.
- Experience running factory trials and product scale-up.
- Strong project management and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within meat or chilled food manufacturing.
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
- HACCP Level 3 (or working towards).
- Experience with major UK retailers (e.g. Tesco).
Get in touch: Sound like the career move you've been after and would like to hear more, pick up the phone to Anna now on T, or send an updated CV - in Word format - via the link on the page (or email). If this opportunity doesn't quite get the taste buds flowing but like me you are passionate about food, let's get a chat and see how I can help grow your career.
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL LIST OF OUR CURRENT VACANCIES.
NPD Manager in Ballymena employer: Vickerstock
Join a dynamic and innovative food manufacturing business in Ballymena, where your role as NPD Manager will be pivotal in shaping the future of product development. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and quality, the company fosters a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and offers opportunities to work closely with major retail customers. Enjoy the benefits of a thriving environment that values creativity and excellence, making it an ideal place for those passionate about food and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager in Ballymena
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend food manufacturing events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that NPD Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We recommend practising common interview questions related to NPD and food safety standards. Show them you’re not just passionate about food, but also about their specific brand and values!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. We love a proactive candidate!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing your dream job. We keep our listings updated and you’ll find roles that match your skills perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate – no fuss, just results!
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager in Ballymena
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the NPD Manager role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about food innovation and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. Let us know what excites you about working with major retail customers.
Showcase Your Project Management Skills:Since this role involves managing the full NPD process, be sure to highlight your project management experience. Share specific examples of how you've coordinated timelines and delivered successful product launches in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vickerstock
✨Know Your NPD Process
Make sure you can clearly articulate the full new product development process from concept to launch. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed this process, especially in food manufacturing.
✨Understand Retailer Requirements
Familiarise yourself with the key retailer requirements and food safety standards like BRCGS. During the interview, demonstrate your knowledge of these standards and how you've ensured compliance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to discuss your project management approach. Highlight your organisational skills by sharing examples of how you've coordinated timelines and critical paths for successful product launches.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you've liaised with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to drive project delivery.
